The last 18 months haven't looked normal for anyone, andchanges have come from every side. One of the most significant changes we'veseen has been to our education system. Most schools, not only in the UnitedStates but all over the world, were educating their students virtually lastyear. As we see things improve and return to a semi-normal state here in theU.S., many of the countries that we support are still dealing with significantchanges regarding how children are educated.
As we quickly approach "back to school" season here in the US, we want to update you on what that looks like this year in the countries that Raising Kids supports.
Our friends in Cambodia have seen quite a spike in COVIDcases these last few months. Because of the rising number of cases, manyprovinces and borders have been closed. The schools were closed for most of the2020-2021 school year. The students learned virtually through lessons ontelevisions. We were hopeful that things would turn around in Cambodia thissummer, but their government isn’t allowing schools to open. When the studentsreturn to school, they will continue learning from home. The house parents andcaregivers do the best they can to supplement their education, while thestudents will continue to receive lessons through the televisions. Despite theunfortunate circumstances, we are praising God that our children and staffremain healthy and safe.
The Charity Children's home staff in Myanmar have gonethrough some major hurdles this past year and have purposely stepped up toeducate the kids. On top of COVID closing their schools last year, they'recurrently under military rule that's been in effect since February of this year.These things have affected their abilities to travel, the price of essentialgoods, and their safety and sense of security. Thank God they have beenprotected and provided for in the midst of this! This upcoming school year willlook very similar to last year’s. All of the current 177 children will beschooling at home again. Although everyone has been told to send their childrento school, the house parents have decided that it would be safer for thechildren to remain at the children's home until things settle down in thecommunity. Last year they successfully opened a new library on the campus,which will again be a great asset for learning from home.
The children at Mendies Haven in Nepal recently finished uptheir school year, which they spent learning at home on individual computers. Allof the students did very well even through the challenges they faced, and theyare anxious to get back into the school building. Since they just began theirsummer break, it is still unclear whether the government will allow schools toopen for the next school term or not.
Please be praying for these countries and the childrenaffected by not being able to go to school. Continue to pray for their safetyand health and that God would provide a hedge of protection around them. Thehouseparents and caregivers need prayers for strength and that God would equipthem to teach the children under their care.
We have faith that our God is in control despite the currentcircumstances and will do amazing things this school year.